The 3D printer developed by Stratasys features "triplejetting" technology that combines droplets of three base materials, reducing the need for separate print runs and painting. This ability to achieve the characteristics of an assembled part without assembly or painting is a significant time-saver.

Glasses 3D printed on the Objet500 Connex3 Color Multi-material 3D Printer using Opaque VeroYellow (the frame), rubber-like black (TangoBlackPlus - also on the frame), and a unique translucent yellow tint (the lenses) in one print job - no assembly required (Photo: Stratasys Ltd.)

One of the six new rubber-like Tango color palettes, enabling diverse transparent to opaque colors with additional new Shore A Values, combining various degrees of flexibility & color translucency in one print job* (Photo: Stratasys Ltd.)

It helps product manufacturers validate designs and make good decisions earlier before committing to manufacturing, and bring products to market faster, it said.

Engineers at beta user Trek Bicycle in Waterloo, Wisconsin are using the 3D printer for assessment and testing of accessories like bike chain stay guards and handlebar grips prior to actual production.

Similar to a 2D inkjet printer, three colour materials - VeroCyan, VeroMagenta and VeroYellow -are combined to produce hundreds of vivid colours, the company said. These colour materials join a range of PolyJet photopolymer materials to simulate engineering plastics.